CONCACAF Champions League Second Leg: Cruz Azul vs Forge FC – Tactical Match Review
Overview: Forge FC’s Historic Champions League Campaign
Forge FC’s journey in the 2022 CONCACAF Champions League marked a significant achievement for the Canadian club. In only their fourth year of existence, Forge faced tournament favorites Cruz Azul across two demanding legs. Despite exiting in the round of 16, Forge demonstrated resilience and quality, earning newfound respect by competing with one of Mexico’s most storied and experienced teams. This analysis breaks down the key tactical elements and standout performances from the decisive second leg in Mexico City.
Forge FC’s Approach: Defensive Structure and Adjustments
Forge FC opted for their familiar 4-3-3 shape, often shifting to a 4-1-4-1 or a flat 4-5-1 while defending. Notably, Tristan Borges moved wide to the left wing, while Alessandro Hojabrpour featured in central midfield, contributing defensive awareness against Cruz Azul’s dynamic rotations.
The match required Forge’s defensive midfielder Alexander Achinioti-Jonsson to track Romulo Otero’s creative movement. Jonsson delivered an industrious performance, totaling 4 interceptions and 9 recoveries, yet at times struggled recognizing when to hold position versus commit to a tackle—a nuance Cruz Azul’s midfield exploited on occasion.
Dominic Samuel also impressed in central defense. His organizational skills were vital as Forge tried to neutralize Cruz’s repeated attempts to attack with long diagonal passes. However, with Forge’s high defensive line and limited pressure on Cruz Azul’s centre-backs from Forge’s forwards, the Mexican side found success targeting the channels behind Forge’s defenders.
Key Defensive Challenges: Set Pieces and High Line Vulnerabilities
Cruz Azul’s offensive strategy relied heavily on direct passes and set-piece threats. Despite Forge successfully defending many of the 53 long passes attempted by Cruz in this leg, lapses led to pivotal goals:
– The opening goal came from a set-piece, with Angel Romero exploiting loss of marking.
– The third goal arrived from a second-ball opportunity off another set play, as Forge’s defense ball-watched, leaving Juan Escobar unmarked for a finish at the back post.
– Cruz’s second goal was the outlier—a powerful strike from distance by Rafael Baca, who was left with too much space at the top of the box, capitalizing on Forge’s defensive compactness.
Forge’s disciplined structure limited Cruz’s attacking options for much of the match, but moments of disorganization and lack of pressing, particularly from the attacking trio, allowed Cruz Azul to dictate the tempo and territory.
Positive Moments in Possession for Forge FC
Although Forge finished with just 31% possession, they made their spells with the ball count. Their brightest passages involved breaking Cruz Azul’s midfield lines, often initiated by centre-backs stepping forward aggressively on the dribble. For example, Garven Metusala’s forward run drew defenders, opened passing lanes, and ultimately led to Forge’s first-ever Champions League goal—David Choinière finishing after a clever exchange in the wide areas.
Forge’s improvement in making diagonal passes between fullback and center-back gaps proved effective this match—a marked change from the first leg hampered by Hamilton’s windy conditions. Captain Kyle Bekker’s passing range facilitated transitions, and Forge’s wingers remained high to offer outlets, increasing the threat on counterattacks.
Cruz Azul’s Tactical Superiority: Fluid 4-2-3-1 and Overloads
Cruz Azul, managed by Juan Reynoso, set up in their customary 4-2-3-1 formation. Player rotations and positional fluidity were at the heart of their game plan, with standouts like Luis Mendoza and Angel Romero constantly interchanging roles and creating overloads. Their technical midfield trio—Baca, Escobar, and Otero—took control, amassing 69% possession and dictating the rhythm.
A prime illustration of Cruz’s sophistication was Romero, nominally on the left wing, popping up centrally and even on the right to combine, trigger overloads, and stretch Forge’s defensive structure. This constant movement forced Forge to adapt and opened avenues for Cruz’s fullbacks and midfielders to progress the ball.
Long diagonal switches and quick combinations in wide areas repeatedly pulled Forge’s defense out of alignment. Wide rotations and overlapping runs, especially from right-back Joaquín Martinez, facilitated numerous 1v1 situations and created the openings Cruz required to generate high-quality chances.
Limited Pressing and the Consequences for Forge FC
One limitation in Forge’s approach was the lack of consistent pressing from their forward line. Forward Terran Campbell often conceded space, allowing Cruz Azul time to build from the back and seek vertical options uninterrupted. This tactical choice may have aimed to conserve energy and organize defensively but ultimately enabled Cruz to dominate stretches of possession and orchestrate their attacks efficiently.
While overpressing can be risky against possession-savvy opponents, a more aggressive approach early on might have disrupted Cruz’s rhythm and limited their passing options, particularly in the critical opening stages where the home side established control.
What’s Next for Both Teams?
Despite the aggregate defeat, Forge FC exits on a high note, having tested themselves against elite opposition and showcased emerging talents across the pitch. The side will look to build on these positives as the Canadian Premier League season approaches, with an emphasis on refining defensive organization and leveraging the ball-carrying capacity of their center-backs.
For Cruz Azul, the convincing win provides momentum as they progress deeper into the Champions League and re-enter domestic league action. With a wealth of individual quality and tactical discipline evident, coach Reynoso faces important decisions regarding selection as the campaign advances and competition for starting roles intensifies.
Summary
The Cruz Azul versus Forge FC second leg illustrated the tactical chess match typical of high-stakes knockout football. Cruz Azul’s superior rotation, precision in possession, and discipline on set pieces proved decisive, while Forge’s progress and measured attacking play highlighted their growth and potential for future international competitions.
As the season continues, both teams will aim to capitalize on the lessons learned from this gripping clash, with Forge poised for domestic contention and Cruz targeting continental honors.
